Global Tuna Leader at World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Kenya

The Global Tuna Lead will work with colleagues across the WWF network to drive improvements in tuna management, in line with the WWF Global Tuna Strategy. The WWF Global Tuna Strategy aims to: bring the exploitation of tuna into balance with their fundamental role in ecosystem maintenance; to rebuild tuna stocks to >40% spawning stock biomass by 2040; and, eliminate by-catch of endangered, threatened and protected species.

The Global Tuna Lead will coordinate our efforts on tuna management across the world, lead on strategy development and implementation and ensure strategic coherence across a diversity of approaches (i.e. fisheries management, RFMO engagement, certification).

Main duties and responsibilities

• Lead, manage and coordinate WWF’s engagement and strategy on tuna conservation, management supply and trade at global and regional level;
• Provide leadership on strategy development/ management, progress and conservation impact, global team building and development/ recruitment when appropriate, fundraising and communications.
• When requested, act as spokesperson for WWF on tuna issues, both internally and externally.
• Communicate effectively about impact and progress on tuna conservation and management with the WWF Network and external stakeholders.
• Ensure integration of tuna strategies across WWF network, regional programs, national organisations, program offices and Global Practices.
• Coordinate efforts to reduce fishing impacts (like overfishing and bycatch) in tuna fisheries in close cooperation with the WWF Ocean Practice and the relevant WWF National and Program offices.
• In coordination with network experts, identify priority tuna policy issues, ensure alignment within the WWF network in addressing them and in developing guidance.
• In coordination with network experts, ensure the network is effectively represented in relevant Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) to advocate for transparent fishing-activities, supply-chains and trade, good governance and sustainable exploitation of tuna stocks.
• Identify potential funding sources and fundraise for tuna conservation. Develop and deliver fundraising proposals and effectively liaise with donors together with the relevant network offices/fundraising teams.

Required Qualifications

• University qualification(s) in marine resource management, marine biology, economics or related fields.
• 7+ years of experience in fisheries management, seafood supply chains, retailers or markets work, including demonstrated experience in driving improvements in fisheries management.
• Proven experience and success in international marine conservation, campaigning, business engagement, program and policy development, negotiations with internal and external stakeholders, and design and activation of strategic international partnerships.
• Demonstrated success in managing multi-disciplinary teams and multiple donor budgets.
• Experience in the science and management of tunas will be considered an advantage.
• Ability to lead and motivate international and cross-cultural teams located across multiple locations.
• Proven success in fundraising, communications, policy, governance and resource management.
• Excellent English written and oral communication. Further language skills are appreciated.
• Willingness to travel frequently and internationally.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strategic thinker, communicator and motivator.
• Excellent knowledge of marine conservation issues.
• Good understanding of the science and management of tunas.
• Good understanding of markets and trade.
• Good understanding of the management of “commons”.
• Strong negotiating and lobbying skills.
• Experience in raising and mobilising funding.
• Proven experience and success in mobilizing and leading international teams.
• Proven experience of working with different cultures.
• Ability to work effectively in a matrix organisation.
• Excellent command of English; other languages will be considered an asset.
• Identifies with the WWF values: Courage, Integrity, Respect and Collaboration;